By Isaac Zulu
President Hakainde Hichilema has said that Zambian government is implementing private sector reforms that will create a conducive business environment.
Speaking during the Zambia National Day Celebration at the Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, President Hichilema said that his administration stands ready to help and support foreign investors and ensure that they increase their rate of return and de-risk their investment.
“We are ready to help you invest in Zambia and support you through investment that will increase your rate of return and de-risk your investment. We are implementing private sector reforms that will create a conducive business environment, promote and protect investments, provide incentives, reduce rigidities and red tape and ensure policy consistency,” said President Hichilema. “We are inspired by the United Arab Emirates and how it has evolved over the years to become the extra ordinary place it is today. Extra ordinary leadership is certainly at the heart of the actualisation of a bold vision. We applaud the the leadership of the United Arab Emirates and appreciate the extra ordinary lengths taken to host this Expo at one of the challenging time in history. We additionally congratulate you for 50 years of peace, harmony and phenomenal development. We are committed to engaging with you all beyond this platform.”
President Hichilema explained that Zambia is endowed with abundant natural resources that present investment opportunities in the mining industry, hospitality sector and development of electric vehicles.
“I see the potential that Zambia has to be a significant contributor to food security around the world through its arable land and network of water bodies that allow sustainable irrigation. Our inspiring scerenic beauty, along with a sub- tropical climate and wildlife makes Zambia an ideal destination for visitors and those looking to invest in tourism and the hospitality sector. We are passionate about sustainability, and we are fortunate to be highly endowed with resources that are contributing to the development of electric vehicles,” explained President Hichilema. “In addition to battery metals, our mineral base is diverse and presents an opportunity for mining and mineral proscessing for copper, cobalt, manganese, gold, iron, among other metals.”
The Head of State said that the Zambian people aspire to be drivers of a future that is prosperous backed by sheer will, vision and with collaboration with the international community.
“One cannot speak about Zambia without mentioning its peace and stability. This is our nature, and this is our legacy that will continue into the future. This would not be possible without our country’s valuable resource, its people. Zambians are warm, welcoming and pleasant beyond measure,” President Hichilema explained. “We aspire to be drivers of a future that is prosperous backed by sheer will, vision and collaboration with international community. Our doors are open. I invite you to visit the Zambian pavilion where we have showcased various opportunities that our country has to offer. We welcome you to engage with them and seek partnerships that will deliver mutually beneficial value.”
